I won’t get wrapped up in the talk ...I’d love to fast forward to the start
Icon Rachael ready for festival as she eyes Gold Cup glory against the odds
on the scenes in the parade ring, she said earlier this week: “It’s something I’ve never ever experienced before, the crowd, it was just very, very special.
“I’m just so grateful to every single person who was in Cheltenham that day who was cheering that day for Honeysuckle, for the de Bromhead family.”
Blackmore was speaking following a Cheltenham Festival preview at Betfair’s Dublin offices during the week, but says the preview circuit is something she tries not to get too heavily involved with.
She explained: “I try not to get too wrapped up in previews and the talk and all that kind of stuff that’s been going on for the last couple of weeks.
I definitely watch a certain amount of it, but I try not to get swamped by it mentally.”
But she admits it is a painful wait to get on the plane to the meeting.
Blackmore added: “This week can be one that you would just love to fast forward.
“I love when it’s Sunday evening and you’re heading to the airport. I enjoy heading over, you’re full of excitement.
“Monday is a really enjoyable day, we ride out in the morning, drop your racing bag into the weighing room, walk the tracks.
“I’m in such a privileged position. I’ve a lot of really good rides over there and you’re just hoping to have a good week.” Talk of the battle between Irish and UK trainers is not something that concerns Blackmore, who is solely focused on riding winners for herself.
She said: “If you’re looking at the Irish/english thing, obviously Constitution Hill is a big blow.
“Willie’s [Mullins] team just looks so strong, Gordon [Elliott] has a lot of good horses over there.
“It’s never really something that comes into my brain. I just want to ride winners for myself.”
Blackmore became the first ever female jockey to win the Gold Cup when partnering A Plus Tard to victory in 2022 and although she’s on an outsider this time, she believes Jungle Boogie could run a big race. Blackmore added: “I genuinely think the step up in trip will suit him and if you take Galopin out of it, it would be hard for him to get to that level maybe, but I do think he’ll run a big race.” Betfair will donate £10,000 (€11,750) to their Serial Winners Fund, which is raising money for the Injured Jockeys Fund and Irish Injured Jockeys, for each winner Blackmore rides at Cheltenham.